Nestled on the picturesque North Saskatchewan riverbank in Edmonton, Alberta, stands a unique and historic home with a story to tell—the Love Renovation. This remarkable endeavour represents an extensive renovation and a commitment to preserving the original architectural design while significantly reducing energy consumption. Where history meets sustainability and modern luxury.
Capturing the Heart of the Homeowner
Imagine owning a piece of history—a home that overlooks the stunning river valley with a design that reflects Edmonton’s architectural heritage. This was a dream come true for the homeowner of this unique property. However, the dream also came with a vision of transforming this iconic residence into a sustainable, energy-efficient haven for generations to come.
A Renovation of Epic Proportions
The Love Renovation project was no ordinary home makeover. It involved a whole interior renovation, including upgrades to all exterior wall insulation and building envelope details. But the transformation didn’t stop there. A new second-floor primary bedroom was added to take advantage of the breathtaking valley view while offering increased privacy. This innovative design solution retained the original exterior characteristics and provided a new level of luxury and comfort.
A Blend of Old and New
One of the most striking aspects of the Love Renovation is its ability to seamlessly blend modernity with the historic mid-century elements of the original structure. The interior design is a testament to this harmony, where contemporary elegance meets vintage detailing. The result? A home that exudes style and sophistication while honouring its heritage.
Sustainability for Future Generations
The Love Renovation project goes beyond aesthetics; it’s a testament to sustainability. The upgrades included new spray foam insulation, insulation, and air barrier details throughout the building envelope. An exterior deck was added to take advantage of flat roof areas, creating a perfect indoor/outdoor space for enjoyment.
Hidden Delights and Functional Efficiency
Hidden doors, cleverly built using millwork and specialty hardware, add an element of fun and surprise to the home. The Love Renovation also features extensive use of specialty tiles for flooring and detailing, adding a touch of luxury to every corner.
Custom wood jambs on new triple-pane window units match the original site-glazed design while enhancing comfort, airtightness, and efficiency. The high-efficiency mechanical system reduced the home’s energy consumption by a staggering 330 gigajoules per year, making it 45% more efficient.
Overcoming Challenges with Grace
Renovating a historic gem comes with its share of challenges. The property’s mix of original structure and previous renovations necessitated strategic planning to optimize the space for new layout requirements. The building’s significant size added complexity to the project.
The original building envelope was highly inefficient, demanding extensive upgrades. Integrating a second level into a traditional bungalow shape required thoughtful planning.
Similar to the Poole Renovation, a key aspect was the restoration of the exterior, which featured original cedar siding. Finding matching cedar for replacements was essential to maintain the home’s character. Additionally, both the cedar and flat roofing needed substantial replacement, a task requiring precision and care.
The project also involved preserving historical elements like the original fireplace stonework, which had connections to the Royal Alberta Museum. This preservation work required meticulous exterior access and replacement techniques to retain the home’s historical integrity.
The Love Renovation project is a testament to Effect Home Builders’ and the owners’ combined commitment to preserving Edmonton’s architectural history while embracing modern sustainability practices. This iconic modern home, originally designed by celebrated architects Don Bittorf and James Wensley, is a true Prairie-style gem, with its long, low rooflines, brick details, and seamless interior-to-exterior connections.
A Piece of Edmonton’s History
The Love Renovation project is more than just a home makeover; it’s a sustainable renovation of an iconic modern home with a deep connection to Edmonton’s history. The original design, married to the curvature of its site on 2.3 acres of the North Saskatchewan riverbank, features unique elements such as a limestone fireplace, an indoor pool, and a living room built into the hill below the house.
Its spectacular location offers breathtaking views of the river valley, making it a truly unique place to call home.
It’s a revival of history, a celebration of sustainability, and a vision of luxury that spans generations.
Ready to embark on your own renovation journey? Contact us today to chat about your large renovation project.
